What we know

A security firm identified 32 Nvidia Blackwell Ultra B300 GPUs operating inside China Telecom’s network. These GPUs are subject to US export restrictions that prohibit their sale or transfer to Chinese entities. The exact location of the chips within China Telecom’s infrastructure and how they were imported remain unclear. No independent verification of the presence or operation of these GPUs has been published. 32 Nvidia Blackwell Ultra B300 GPUs, restricted by US export controls, were found in China Telecom’s network. The origin and method of import for these export-barred chips are unknown.

Why it matters

The US government restricts advanced AI chips like Nvidia’s Blackwell Ultra B300 to limit China’s access to cutting-edge technology. China Telecom is a major state-owned telecom provider, so the presence of these chips could indicate a breach of export controls. Confirming such cases is difficult due to limited transparency in chip supply chains and enforcement challenges.

What is still unknown

The exact physical location of the GPUs within China Telecom’s network is not disclosed. Details about how the chips bypassed export restrictions remain unclear. No independent tests have confirmed the accuracy or functionality of the GPUs in this context. Information on supported languages or broader deployment timelines is also unavailable.